Head-to-head reliability
Dodge Intrepid vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Dodge Intrepid and Chevrolet Silverado compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Dodge Intrepid vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Intrepid averaged 465 complaints per year with 1,663 engine issues, while the Silverado averaged 823 per year with 2,521 engine complaints. The Intrepid has 21 recalls; the Silverado has 101. Both show serious failure patterns. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Dodge Intrepid or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Dodge Intrepid
The Dodge Intrepid is a full-size sedan that, based on owner complaints, can be demanding to own as it ages. Over five years, NHTSA logged 2,325 complaints, with engine and cooling problems dominating at 1,663 reports. Owners frequently describe sudden engine failure, overheating, and oil pressure loss, often tied to the 2.7L engine. With 21 recalls and 84 crash-related complaints, it's a vehicle that requires careful maintenance and pre-purchase inspection.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much larger complaint volume—8,227 over ten years—but that's spread across many more vehicles on the road. Engine and power train issues lead the reports, with 2,521 and 2,347 complaints respectively. Owners of newer models report serious problems like engine shutdowns, transmission failures, and brake loss, sometimes at very low mileage. With 101 recalls and 233 crash-related complaints, it's a complex machine where electronic and mechanical faults can appear early.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Dodge Intrepid | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2,325 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 21 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 84 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 465.0 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 80 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 2 Better | 3 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Dodge Intrepid
- 01ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING1,663
- 02POWER TRAIN166
- 03STEERING151
- 04SERVICE BRAKES80
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM80
Owners report sudden engine failure, often preceded by cloudy smoke, oil light, and overheating. The 2.7L engine is repeatedly cited for timing chain or connecting rod issues that can cause catastrophic failure at highway speeds. This is the most common and potentially dangerous problem.
Complaints include stalling on highways, loss of power, random acceleration, and bucking. Some owners received recall notices for these issues. These symptoms can make the car unpredictable and hard to control.
Owners describe a loud pop from the front end during low-speed maneuvers like parking, followed by loss of steering control. This suggests a failure in steering components that could lead to a crash.
Reports include scraping noises, rear wheel lockup, and unintended acceleration while braking. One owner said the parking brake came apart and locked the rear brake. Brake failures at speed are especially dangerous.
“I NEVER HAD A MAJOR PROBLEM, EXCEPT CLOUDY SMOKE COMING FROM THE TAILPIPE AND AN OIL. ALL OF A SUDDEN THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON IT BEGAN TO OVER HEAT AND STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSTATE. I HAD IT TOWED TO LANDMARK DODGE, THE MECHANIC SAID IT WAS THE TIMIN…”
“2003 DODGE INTREPID WITH 2.7 L ENGINE- EXPERIENCE SUDDEN AND CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE WHILE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. VERY DANGEROUS THAT THESE ENGINES EXPERIENCE THIS TYPE OF SUDDEN LOSS, AND IT COULD HAVE CAUSED A MAJOR ACCIDENT. PUBLIC WEB SITES STATE THIS ENG…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of newer Silverados report engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start.' Others cite diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These issues can leave you stranded or cause loss of power.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral, loss of acceleration, and transmission problems even at very low mileage. One owner reported the truck went into neutral in a parking garage. This can happen unexpectedly and create a safety risk.
Owners describe severe loss of braking, engine shut-off while driving, and blank screens. These electrical glitches can disable critical functions like brakes and steering assist, making the truck hard to control.
Reports include a firm brake pedal with reduced braking effect, and the truck shutting off during low-speed maneuvers. Brake performance loss is a serious safety concern, especially in traffic.
“I purchased the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado with a 6.2L motor "new" from the dealer with 5700 miles on XXX. Roughly a month and 2500 miles later, my family and I were in the vehicle, 750 miles from home, returning from a vacation to [XXX] from the [XXX]/[XXX] ar…”
“My 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 with the 6.6L Duramax diesel has experienced three separate P2463 Diesel Particulate Filter excessive soot accumulation events at approximately 4,300, 5,500, and 10,280 miles. Each event required a Chevrolet dealer to perform…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Dodge Intrepid — 21 recalls
The defect: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES…
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
The defect: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES…
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
The defect: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES…
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
The defect: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES…
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
Chevrolet Silverado — 101 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, and 3500 vehicles. These vehicles may not have received an owner's manual during production. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, “Child Re…
The risk: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will provide the owner’s manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 30, 2025. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N252532020. Vehicle Identifi…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Chevrolet Silverado 3500, and GMC Sierra 3500 vehicles with gasoline engines and dual fuel tanks (RPOs L8T and N2N). The rear fuel pump may not transfer adequate fuel to the front tank, causing an engine stall.
The risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: The vehicle's engine control module (ECM) will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 8, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782…
The defect: General Motors has decided that certain 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 2025-2026 Cadillac OPTIQ, Chevrolet Colorado, Equinox EV, GMC Canyon, 2026 Buick Enclave, Envision, Cadillac CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade IQ, Escalade IQL, LYRIQ, VISTIQ, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Corvette Convertible, Corvette Cou…
The risk: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will reset the vehicle radio, which will facilitate automatic download of the electronic owner’s manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 16, 2026. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-866-467-970…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and GMC Sierra 2500 vehicles equipped with the enhanced towing option and 20-inch accessory tire/wheel package. The tire information label may state the incorrect rear tire pressure, resulting in underinflated tires an…
The risk: Driving with underinflated tires can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect, update the engine control module (ECM) software, apply a tire label overlay, inflate tires to the correct pressure, and perform a tire pressure monitor system (TPMS) re-learn process as necessary, free of charge. Owne…
Buyer analysis
Dodge Intrepid or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Dodge Intrepid has far fewer complaints per year (465) than the Chevrolet Silverado (823), but the Intrepid's complaints are heavily concentrated in catastrophic engine failures. The Silverado's issues are more varied and often affect newer trucks, meaning even low-mileage examples can have serious problems. In practice, the Intrepid may be simpler but riskier if the engine fails, while the Silverado offers more capability but with a higher chance of electronic and powertrain faults.
Key differences
- The Intrepid's most common complaint is engine failure (1,663 reports), often sudden and at speed, while the Silverado's top issue is also engine-related (2,521 reports) but includes shutdowns and diesel filter problems.
- The Intrepid has 21 recalls over 5 years, mostly for headlights, while the Silverado has 101 recalls over 10 years covering fuel pumps, tires, and collision avoidance.
- The Intrepid's crash-related complaints (84) and injuries (80) are lower in total than the Silverado's (233 crashes, 160 injuries), but the Intrepid's rate per vehicle may be higher given its smaller population.
- Silverado owners report problems on brand-new trucks with under 10,000 miles, while Intrepid complaints often involve older vehicles with accumulated wear.
- Check for any signs of engine overheating, oil pressure warnings, or cloudy exhaust smoke—these can indicate the 2.7L engine is about to fail.
- Listen for popping noises from the front suspension when turning or parking, and test the steering for any looseness or binding, as steering failures have been reported.
- Test drive at various speeds and watch for any instrument cluster warnings, sudden engine shutdowns, or messages like 'Return to Neutral'—these suggest electrical or powertrain faults.
- Check brake pedal feel and braking performance; a firm pedal with poor stopping may indicate a brake system issue that owners have reported.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models, especially the Intrepid's headlight recalls and the Silverado's fuel pump and brake recalls.
- Have a mechanic perform a compression test and inspect the timing chain on the Intrepid, and scan for error codes on the Silverado.
- For the Intrepid, verify the cooling system is in good shape and that the engine has no sludge or oil leaks.
- For the Silverado, test all electronic features, including infotainment, driver aids, and transmission shifting, during a thorough test drive.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and be wary if the vehicle has a history of repeated engine or transmission repairs.
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Dodge Intrepid or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Dodge Intrepid vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Dodge Intrepid total complaints
- 2,325
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Dodge Intrepid total recalls
- 21
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Dodge Intrepid avg complaints/year
- 465.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Dodge Intrepid
- Dodge Intrepid top complaint area
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE